Do cats ingest things they shouldn't?
Cats are curious by nature. They love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble. This is probably how the saying "curiosity killed the cat" began.
Cats are notorious for ingesting thread, wool, paper, rubber bands, plant materials, and small toys. Some foreign objects pass through the intestinal tract without a problem, and it is common for cat owners to report all sorts of objects found in their cat's vomit or stool. However, not all foreign objects pass through the digestive tract without complication.
How serious is foreign body ingestion?
Foreign body obstruction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in veterinary practice. Although most foreign bodies do pass uneventfully through the intestinal tract, if an obstruction occurs for some reason, surgical removal of the blocked object is the only treatment.
"Foreign body obstruction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition
in veterinary practice."
Another potentially life-threatening condition may occur if the cat swallows thread, string, yarn, or dental floss. Curious cats easily swallow thread; however, once in the mouth, it can be challenging to spit it out since the spines on their tongue hold it in. As a cat swallows the thread, it may become wrapped around the base of the tongue or anchored in the stomach and will pull against this area every time the cat swallows.
If the thread is attached to a needle, the needle may pierce the stomach or intestines and prevent the thread from passing through. (See the “Linear Foreign Bodies in Cats” handout for more information.) This type of foreign body is more dangerous as it can cut the intestinal tissue as it pleats them like an accordion.
How do I know if my cat has eaten a foreign body?
Most pets that have ingested a foreign body will exhibit some of these clinical signs:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal tenderness or pain
- decreased appetite or anorexia
- straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces
- lethargy
- changes in behavior such as biting or growling when picked up or handled around the abdomen
- pawing at the mouth if there is string or thread wrapped around the base of the tongue
How is foreign body ingestion diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will obtain a thorough medical history and perform a careful physical examination. If a foreign body is suspected, abdominal X-rays will be performed. Several views may be necessary, or a series of specialized X-rays using contrast material (barium or other dye). An ultrasound may be required. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend blood and urine tests to assess whether the obstruction has compromised your cat’s health or to rule out other causes of vomiting, such as pancreatitis, enteritis, infection, or chronic disease conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.
How is an intestinal foreign body treated?
Exploratory surgery is generally recommended if a foreign body obstruction is diagnosed or suspected. Time is critical, since an intestinal or stomach obstruction often compromises the blood supply to these vital tissues. If the blood supply is interrupted for more than a few hours, these tissues may become necrotic (die), resulting in irreparable damage or shock. Strings that get stuck and cut through tissue may require sections of intestine to be removed and re-attached end to end.
In some instances, the foreign body may be able to pass on its own. In this event, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization of your cat for close observation and probably intravenous (IV) fluids and will perform follow-up x-rays to track the progress of the foreign object. Any abnormalities found on blood testing indicating compromised organ systems will also require treatment.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis is based on:
- the location of the foreign body
- the duration of obstruction
- the size, shape, and characteristics of the foreign body
- your cat's health status before foreign body ingestion
Your veterinarian will provide detailed diagnostic and treatment plans and an accurate prognosis based on your pet's condition. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you are concerned that your cat has ingested a foreign object.
